Is Poland Overcoming Soviet-Type Learning Barriers?
Author InfoSandberg, Mikael (United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies) Abstract This paper suggests that specific circumstances provide substantial – and historic – opportunities for Poland as a pioneer of a ‘greener post-communism’. These are: the paradoxical effects of membership in the Soviet bloc which present the Polish reformers with important opportunities for environmentally sound modernization and nature conservation; the technological revolution on a global scale concurrent with the Velvet Revolution; and new environmentally sound technologies which are increasingly available for transfers in the form of environmental aid. Approaches to ‘technological revolutions’, life-cycle timing in ‘entry’ and introduction of innovations, ‘technology assimilation’ into the Polish ‘system of innovation’ and experiences from technology transfers to Poland and the former Eastern bloc, including Russia, suggest that success in capitalizing on these opportunities for environme
